Latest News & Weapons from around the world

Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone Maritime Helicopter

The Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone is a twin-engine, multi-role maritime helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation for the Canadian Forces. CH-148 is to replace Canada’s main ship-borne maritime helicopter, the CH-124 Sea King.

CH-124 Sea King

Image @ottawacitizen.com

Technical Specifications

Aircraft Description

Although one of the oldest Aircraft in the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Sea King is also one of its busiest. It has seen service in a variety of international and domestic roles in recent years including the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Yugoslavia, East Timor, Manitoba Floods, and Haiti.

The CH-148 will be operated by the Canadian Forces Air Command. It can conduct anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare, surveillance and control, search and rescue (SAR) missions. It will also provide tactical transport for national and international security missions.

The helicopter has been developed under the Canadian Forces’ Maritime Helicopter Project (MHP). The project provides scope for the acquisition of 28 new, fully-equipped CH-148 Cyclone helicopters along with a long-term in-service support program. It will also provide 12 C-RAST helicopter haul-down systems for Halifax class (HFX) ships to accommodate the CH-148 Cyclone.

Orders and deliveries

In November 2004, Canada’s Department of National Defence placed a C$1.8bn contract with Sikorsky to produce 28 helicopters, with the first aircraft delivery expected in January 2009. The first production aircraft completed its maiden flight in November 2008. It arrived at CFB Shearwater in February 2010. The deliveries are delayed due to restrictions by US International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

The first 19 of the 28 CH-148 Cyclones will be supplied in interim standard rather than at the original contractual specifications. Maintenance and aircrew personnel will conduct initial operational testing and evaluation of the interim helicopters prior to deployment. The fully compliant helicopters will be delivered in 2012. All interim-standard helicopters are to be retrofitted and delivered to DND/CF by December 2013.

The German navy is also planning to replace its current fleet of Sea King helicopters with Cyclone helicopters.

Canadian Air Force expecting CH-148 Cyclone project completion in 2025

The Canadian air force faces an issue as their order of 28 new CH-148 Cyclone helicopters from Sikorksy Aircraft has been projected to only be completed in 2025. Earlier agreements had said that the order of the new fleet would be done by 2022. This new addition in time creates a problem as the new fleet will only arrive seven years after the retirement of the CH-124 Sea King helicopters, which have been operating for over 50 years now. This leaves the Canadian military woefully short.

Fortunately, the country’s navy fleet is also lacking, having to retire two supply ships, two destroyers, one Tribal destroyer ship was let go due to budget cuts and now a fourth warship is about to be retired. As reported by the CBC, if the navy carefully plans their resources, they might have enough helicopters between them.

An initial deadline was 2008 but Sikorsky Aircraft missed that deadline. In 2013 they began to rethink their decision to replace their fleet, but stuck with their decision and announced the retirement of the Sea Kings due in 2015. Another deadline given was 2018 for the arrival of their new fleet, yet this too was not met. Instead they were promised 12 operational helicopters with the basic operating systems in place by 2018, with the remaining 16 coming in between then and 2021. Then remaining four years will consist of training personnel and getting the fleet operational by government standards. Source @helihub.com

Design and features

CH-148 is a military variant of the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter. It features a composite aluminium airframe with lightning-strike and high-intensity radio frequency pulse protection. It incorporates a wider four-bladed articulated composite main rotor blade in comparison with the S-70 Blackhawk. The tapered blade tip is angled downward to cut down noise and increase lift.

The helicopter can operate with modern high-tech naval frigates and is equipped with numerous safety features. Flaw tolerance, bird strike capability and engine burst containment are integrated into the design.

SENSORS

APS-143B radar

ELEPHONICS radar. The AN/APS-143(V)3 is a maritime surveillance and tracking radar designed for installation in a variety of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. It is also known as OceanEye. The system uses frequency agility and pulse compression techniques and consists of three units: an antenna, receiver/transmitter and signal processor. Radar control is via a dedicated control panel with on-screen controls, or by a central universal keyset via MIL-STD-1553B databus. Features include TWS for 30, 100 or 200 targets, air search with MTI, integrated electronic support and Mark 12A IFF system interfaces and electronic ECCM provision (including sector blanking and staggered pulse repetition frequencies).

The flat-plate planar antenna array, which can be fitted into any radome, is stabilized for ±30° in pitch and roll. The transmitter is a TWT (travelling wave tube) type with a peak power output of 8 kw and operating in the X band. The latest variant, APS-143B(V)3, can be upgraded with a complete imaging capability: range profiling, ISAR, spotlight SAR, strip-map SAR. The system can also incorporate software interfaces, via an embedded Tactical Data Management System (TDMS), for external systems such as FLIR, ESM, IFF and TDL. The TDMS capability also includes overlay of worldwide Database II or vector shoreline maps onto the radar display.

The internal, fully integrated Mark XIIA IFF interrogator has been designed to be compatible with the IFF interrogators being supplied for the US Navy’s MH-60R LAMPS helicopter, the Canadian CP-140 Aurora upgrade program, and the US and International Air Force’s AWACS platforms .IFF Mode 4 helps the Cyclone crew sort out cooperative sea and air targets in target-rich littoral regions.

System Specifications

System weight: 180 lbs/82 kg (with ISAR/SAR imaging)

Box size: R/T – 1.5 long ATR; S/P 1.0 long ATR; various

antenna-radome options

Power required: 115V, 400 Hz, 3-phase AC power,

1.8 kva typical, and 28V 12A

Operating modes:

– Standard: Search, Weather, Beacon, Small Target

Detect

– Optional: ISAR, Range Profiling, Stripmap SAR,

IFF Interrogator

– Planned: GMTI, AIS

Control configurations: 1553B data bus standalone

(TDMS)

Low Probability of Intercept features: sector blanking,

PRF jitter, frequency agility, low sidelobe antenna

Performance

Maximum range: over 200 nmi

Display range resolution: 0.01 nmi (1 meter for

imaging option)

Azimuth accuracy: 0.5° or better

MTBF: 800 hours for helicopters; 1400 hours for

fixed-wing

Antenna/Pedestal

Bandwidth: 460 MHz

Gain: 31 to 35 dB (antenna/platform dependent)

Integrated IFF dipoles available

360° Scan

Sector scan: operator selectable 45° to 350°

Stabilization: Standard +10°/-25° pitch-and-roll

(using antenna tilt)

Display & Processing

Display scales: 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256 nmi

Clutter Processing: sweep and scan-to-scan

integration

Radar monitor: Wide variety of options available to

meet platform requirements

Standard interfaces available to allow integration/

operation with onboard display and control systems

– MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429/571/575, IEEE-802

Ethernet, RS-232/422 Serial I/O

Standalone consoles available using Telephonics

Tactical Data Management System (TDMS)

Technical data @jproc.ca

SAFIRE III EO System

FLIR – (3 to 5 micron) surveillance and targeting turrets by General Dynamics Canada of Ottawa. This is an multi-sensor imaging system.

Lockheed Martin AN/ALQ-210 ESM

RWR/ESM (Radar Warning and location identifier) : Lockheed Martin AN/ALQ-210. The AN/ALQ-210 ESM subsystem performs situational awareness and threat warning functions simultaneously. The subsystem is designed with an open architecture in order to accommodate scalable functionality. It quickly detects and identifies emitters over a wide frequency range, determines the signal angle of arrival, and locates the source in dense signal environments.

COMMUNICATIONS

AN/ARC-210 Gen5 Programmable Digital Communication System

The AN/ARC-210 Multimode Integrated Communications System provides 2-way multimode voice and data communications over the 30-400 MHz frequency range in either normal, secure or jam-resistant modes via line-of-sight (LOS) or satellite communications (SATCOM) links. The ARC-210 family of equipment is made up of several variants of the receiver-transmitter, each providing a specific combination of functionality to meet user platform requirements.

The AN/ARC-210 Receiver-Transmitter (RT) is the nucleus of a Multimode Communications System. The RT is offered in several models, which may be coupled with a full complement of auxiliary equipment, to provide the user community with unmatched versatility and exceptional capability. Source @dpdproductions.com

The first production CH-148 for the Canadian Armed Forces, seen here overflying the Halifax waterfront near sunset, on its way to land on HMCS Montréal. This aircraft is in Halifax undergoing trials and still wears an N-number registration. Upon delivery it will be 148801. Michael DurningImage @airliners.net

HF-9087D radio

The HF-9000D and HF-9000F systems are a family of light weight HF systems designed for use on a broad range of military fixed wing and rotary wing airborne, transportable, and fixed site applications. The integrated multimode system provides data communication capability including the transmission and reeipt of text and graphics while continuing to provide voice HF communications. Embedded system functionality includes MIL-STD-188-141B, Automatic Link Establishment (ALE), MIL-STD-188-110B, data modem functionally, Independent Sideband (ISB) data operation, and ARINC 714-6 SELCAL decoding with growth capability for future HF waveforms.

One Rockwell Collins HF Radio system with KY-100 encryption

The ANDVT AIRTERM (KY-100) is a narrowband/wideband terminal that interoperates with TACTERM (CV-3591/KYV-5), MINTERM (KY-99A), VINSON (KY-57, KY-58) and SINCGARS. A self-contained terminal including COMSEC, KY-100 provides for secure voice and data communications in tactical airborne/ground environments. It is an integral part of the U.S Joint Services and Federal Law Enforcement Agency networks, and provides half-duplex, narrowband and wideband communications. Flexible interfaces ensure compatibility with a wide range of voice, data, radio and satellite equipment. The KY-100 is based on the KY-99A architecture with enhanced interface capability. It includes KY-99A’s operational modes, KY-58’s operational modes, and unique features such as:

The TFM-138 offers a two channel synthesized Guard Receiver (no crystals), 100 channels of preset memory, scan and priority scan, all available CTCSS tones, and can operate without restriction on any split frequency pair available within the band. Function control is via a panel mounted 12-button keypad. Operating frequency, alpha numeric identifier and other related data are presented on a 48-character, two-line LED matrix display. This transceiver weighs just 3.1 lbs, is Dzus panel mounted and is completely self contained (no heavy remote transceiver), eliminating problematic, complicated, heavy and costly R/T to control head interconnect wiring. Source @til.caFor full details see PDF file: Here

AA21-400 Cabin PA

One Loudhailer/PA system made by Northern Airborne Technology. The AA21-400 Cabin PA control is designed to provide centralized control for an aircraft’s internal and external PA systems. Its 25 watt speaker driver stage is designed to drive one 8 ohm speaker for internal paging. The AA21-400 also provides a low level audio output signal that drives the input on a remote mounted power amplifier. A +3db function allows the output of the system to be varied by 3 db.(Photo courtesy Northern Airborne Technology). Source @jproc.ca

The OTPI function is used to localize sonobuoys during ASW mission. The result is a visual indication when the aircraft flies directly above the sonobuoy (On Top Position). When connected to the aircraft bus, the DF-430 is able to significantly increase the OTPI detection accuracy by computing the altitude and ground speed information.

MDMS interfaces to the sensors and tactical data link systems, runs the tactical workstation displays in the cabin and cockpit, and manages and monitors the health of the integrated mission system (IMS).

The CVAR, is the helicopter’s acoustic processing system for both the Sonobuoy processing and the Dipping Sonar system, and it contains the receiver for the sonobuoys. The system control and display is done from the Workstation Tactical Display (WTD), the Programmable Entry Panel (PEP) at the Tactical Workstation Console (TWC) in the cabin.

The TWC is the composite material console in the main cabin where the TACCO and SENSO sit. Each operator has two displays in front of them. The WTD is the larger 20.1 inch LCD that provides the tactical and sensor displays, and the PEP is the smaller, 10 inch display positioned at an angle, which presents the software-driven menus to operate the mission systems.

TISIS : Tactical Integrated Sensor Information System

Features

 A fl exible system architecture that can be confi gured to meet the constraints of functionality, packaging, weight and balance, and redundancy;

Link 11 tactical datalink

The Link-11 system is the Ultra Electronics Multi-Link Processor (MLP) which can be upgraded to Link 22 at a later date.

CMA-4000 Flight Management System (FMS)

There are two Esterline/CMC Electronics CMA-4000 series Flight Management system Control and Display Units (FMCDU’s). These will independently manage all cockpit displays, communications and navigation systems.

Capabilities

The CMA-4000 provides radio management, mission control, flight management and seamless navigation throughout all phases of flight, including en-route, terminal, approach and the mission phases of flight. Its ability to interface with a wide variety of navigation sensors and radios makes it very versatile for a wide variety of applications. Navigational solutions can be obtained via blended INS/GPS, GPS, INS, DME/DME. VOR/DME, VOR/DME/TACAN , DOPPLER and Dead Reckoning. Frequency ranges for controlled radios are from HF, VHF, UHF, and SATCOM.

DTC1-1 Tactical Cockpit Display

This 10.4″ portrait form factor cockpit display is qualified and in production for helicopter applications on the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter as a Mission System Tactical Cockpit display (CH148 Cyclone Maritime Helicopter). A colour graphics display with 768 x 1024 pixels, this unit meets the unique vibration and shock requirements of the helicopter environment.

3ATI SDD1-1 Cockpit Display

The SDD1-1 Cockpit Display is qualified and in production for helicopter applications on the Sikorsky S-92 helicopter as a Self-Defence System Cockpit Display (CH148 Cyclone Maritime Helicopter). A colour graphics display with 300 x 300 pixels on a 3.5” diagonal screen, this unit meet the unique vibration and shock requirements of a helicopter environment.

Features:

300 x 300 pixel resolution with a 3.5” diagonal screen

Sunlight readable cockpit display with LED backlight

Airborne ANVIS Class B compatible

DVI video input

Supports TIA/EIA-422B serial for communications

Built for survivability in extreme conditions

Programmable Entry Panel (PEP2-1) display

Each TWD is combined with a Programmable Entry Panel (PEP2-1) display, mounted in the console just below the TWD. The PEP is a 12.1” touch-screen display designated PEP2-1, and is used to display and select the menu selections for the operators to control the mission system and sensors. It is normally configured to look like the second photo in the datasheet, with menu buttons – not a tactical map.

General Dynamics Canada was contracted in 2004 to provide the mission systems for the entire fleet of 28 helicopters. These mission systems include radar, ESM, acoustics, self-defence, navigation and communication systems.

MK 46 torpedoes

Torpedoes are self-propelled guided projectiles that operate underwater and are designed to detonate on contact or in proximity to a target. They may be launched from submarines, surface ships, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. They are also used as parts of other weapons; the Mark 46 torpedo becomes the warhead section of the ASROC (Anti-Submarine ROCket) and the Captor mine uses a submerged sensor platform that releases a torpedo when a hostile contact is detected. The three major torpedoes in the Navy inventory are the Mark 48 heavyweight torpedo, the Mark 46 lightweight and the Mark 50 advanced lightweight.

The MK-46 torpedo is designed to attack high performance submarines, and is presently identified as the NATO standard. The MK-46 torpedo is designed to be launched from surface combatant torpedo tubes, ASROC missiles and fixed and rotary wing aircraft. In 1989, a major upgrade program began to enhance the performance of the MK-46 Mod 5 in shallow water. Weapons incorporating these improvements are identified as Mod 5A and Mod 5A(S).

BRU-14/A weapon/stores rack

The BRU-14/A bomb rack is a parent rack which provides for suspension and release of stores weighing up to 2,000-2,200 pounds. Two suspension hooks provide for attachment of weapons or stores having 14-inch suspension lugs. It connects to the aircraft special weapons release and control system to provide primary release, IFOBRL (in-flight operable bomb release lock) actuation, auxiliary unlock, secondary release, and mechanical arming of a weapon/store. Linear Electromechanical Actuator consists of a spring-loaded plunger that is mechanically locked and electrically released, thereby initiating hook release. Aero 1A adapter assemblies may be added to increase the bomb rack to 30-inch suspension capacity. The BRU-14/A is a modified Aero 65A bomb rack which has been adapted for use with P-3C and S-3A aircraft.

The linear electromechanical actuator consists of a spring-loaded plunger that is mechanically cocked and electrically released to provide the force that initiates hook release. The auxiliary release assembly provides a secondary method of release should the linear electromechanical actuator or its electrical system fail.

Image @grubbyfingersshop.com

The in-flight operable bomb rack lock mechanism consists of a remotely controlled bomb rack lock and emergency release auxiliary unlock. The IFOBRL consists of a lockbar, which pivots on the frame to lock the rear link in latched position, and an actuator assembly, which can be locked or unlocked manually. The auxiliary unlock assembly is a cartridge-actuated device providing a mounting point for the aft end of the IFOBRL. When actuated, the unlock releases the IFOBRL and allows it to move forward, freeing the rear link from restraint. Mechanical arming of a weapon/store is accomplished through two electrically actuated arming solenoids, which are mounted in the frame assembly. The BRU-14 is capable of suspension and release of a weapon/store in either an armed or safe condition. An electrical impulse from the aircraft is used to release the store. Mechanical arming is provided for more and/or tail arming. During ground operations and in flight the IFOBRL provides a positive lock to the release mechanism.

The left inboard, left outboard, and right weapon pylons on the Navy’s Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) Mark III SH-60B Seahawk accommodate BRU-14/A weapon/stores racks. The BRU-14A bomb racks interface with the MK-50 Advanced Lightweight Torpedo (ALWT) and Penguin missile. Fittings for torpedo parachute release lanyards are located on the fuselage aft of each weapon pylon. Effective on BUNO 162349 and subsequent, the left and right inboard pylons have wiring and tubing provisions for auxiliary fuel tanks. All pylons have wiring provisions to accommodate the MK 50 torpedo. The left outboard weapon pylon can accommodate a missile launch assembly (MLA) which is used to mount the MK 2 MOD 7 Penguin air-to-surface missile. Source @globalsecurity.org

CPI Aero Awarded $5M CH-148 Contract

CPI Aerostructures, Inc. (“CPI Aero®”) (NYSE MKT: CVU) today announced that Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company (NYSE: LMT), has awarded CPI Aero purchase orders valued at approximately $5 million to manufacture the weapon pylon for the Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone, a twin-engine, multi-role shipboard helicopter being manufactured by Sikorsky for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). CPI Aero will produce weapon pylons for 28 aircraft with deliveries through 2018.

A military variant of the Sikorsky S-92® helicopter, the CH-148 is designed for shipboard operations. The Cyclone is to be operated by the RCAF and will conduct anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and search and rescue missions from Royal Canadian Navy warships.

“This award recognizes our long-standing and excellent past performance with Sikorsky that spans over a decade across multiple aircraft, including the UH-60, S-92, and now the CH-148,” stated Douglas McCrosson, president and chief executive officer of CPI Aero. “This is our first new contract with Sikorsky as a Lockheed Martin Company, and we are excited to continue to expand our business with Lockheed Martin, the world’s largest defense contractor.” Source @helihub.com

Countermeasures

The helicopter is fitted with sensor equipment to search and locate submarines during ASW missions. A modern countermeasures suite is incorporated to defend the helicopter against incoming missiles.

ATK AN/AAR-47 missile warning system

The AN/AAR 47 basically works with an digitized and integrated warning system that is in turn integrated to the communication module of the pilot or the control command of the platform. The AN/AAR 47 is an radar based warning system.

The main feature of this system is to provide timely warning against Infrared MAN Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS). Detecting a MANPADS is an extremely demanding task and these MANPADS do not signal their presence till the launch of the missile, they do have a detectable radiation since they do not rely on active IR, radar guidance or a laser designator. These fire-and-forget systems and lock on and engage a target, speed to the target and destroy it in seconds. But these systems however, have a very small but still visible radar signature and also since propelled by propellant a IR signature. But this signature can be visible only for a very short period of duration. To counter these missiles if the old counter measures are to be used they may be hampered by the decisions of a pilot. But if the counter measures are integrated with the MAWS the system automatically deploys the flares without any delay thereby saving the platform from a possible attack.

The AAR-47 missile warning system consists of 4 Optical Sensor Converters (OSC), a Computer Processor and a Control Indicator. A single optical sensor converter is positioned towards each side of the aircraft and is integrated with an infrared camera which can detect any incoming missiles. With the space on a aircraft being very limited the whole size of the component has to be extremely compact and yet powerful the AAR-47 is a very compact system and is around 32 pounds and takes very negligible space on board a aircraft. Source @sajeevpearlj.blogspot.com

AN/ALE-39 flare and chaff dispensers

The dispenser countermeasures AN / ALE-39 system is capable of launching up to 60 cartridges flares (flares) or sheet metal (chaff) able to confuse and divert enemy missiles, both infrared and radar guide, which are threatening the plane.In the Fightinghawk and other Skyhawks, CMDS dispensers are found in the lower part of the tail section.

Engine

The CH-148 is powered by two GE CT7-8A engines. A new CT7-8A7 engine based on the CT7-8A1 is being developed by General Electric to replace the current, less efficient engine.

GE CT7-8A engines

The new engine will be tested and certified by June 2012. It will incorporate modified fuel manifold and fuel nozzles.

Sikorsky will deliver six interim CH-148 Cyclone helicopters fitted with CT7-8A1 engines to the Canadian Forces before the final delivery deadline.

Performance

The Cyclone is equipped for day-and-night flight operations, and can fly in adverse weather conditions in temperatures ranging from -51°C to +49°C. It can fly at a maximum altitude of 15,000ft. The maximum cruise speed is 165kt and the best range speed is 137kt.

Image @dmitryshulgin.com

The Sikorsky S-92 is a twin-engined medium utility transport helicopter produced by the American manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft. The S-92 is primary used by civil operators for offshore passenger and material transportation to oil- & gas rigs and for search and rescue service (SAR). In governmental service the helicopter is mostly used for executive transportation (VIP). For military operations the S-92 is marketed as the H-92 Superhawk.